Medications for ADHD and Narcolepsy

Understanding ADHD and Narcolepsy: Key Symptoms and Challenges

ADHD and Narcolepsy are two independent cognitive conditions. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, or ADHD is characterised by difficulties with concentration, hyperactivity and erratic behaviours.

Whilst Narcolepsy is a condition that presents with symptoms of excess daytime sleepiness, cataplexy, difficulties with concentration, sleep attacks, and several other behavioural abnormalities.

ADHD typically appears in childhood but can last into adulthood. ADHD has a prevalence of up to 5% amongst adults.

Whilst ADHD cannot be cured, it can be treated. There are range of medications available on the NHS, or some people choose to consult private practitioners to buy ADHD medication.

Key ADHD symptoms include:

•       Short attention spans and a poor ‘scattered’ memory.
•       Troubles with organisation.
•       Struggles with time management.
•       Losing things regularly.
•       Hyperactivity and Impulsiveness actions.
•       Excessive movement and fidgeting.
•       Excessive talking and being unable to wait their turn to talk.
•       Reduced sense of danger.

These symptoms can cause many problems, especially in childhood. Children with ADHD are often miscategorised and ill-disciplined and suffer from poor academic performance and poor social interactions. It’s therefore important key individuals in a child’s life adequately understand the condition.

There is some evidence being born prematurely, having a low birthweight or smoking, alcohol or drug abuse during pregnancy is also linked with ADHD. When making a diagnosis, doctors will consider all these factors.

Key Narcolepsy Symptoms Include:

Narcolepsy is a condition which is estimated to affect around 25,000 people in the UK. Narcolepsy is typically diagnosed in adulthood, people with Narcolepsy struggle to regulate sleep-wake patterns and circadian rhythms. Whilst Narcolepsy can’t be cured, it can be treated. There are a range of Narcolepsy drugs which can be used in conjunction with non-pharmacological treatments.

Key Narcolepsy symptoms include:

•       Excessive day time sleepiness
•       Sleep attacks
•       Cataplexy – Short-term muscle weakness, usually triggered by intense emotions such as excitement, laughter or anger
•       Sleep paralysis

Narcolepsy is a complex condition, sometimes presenting with different symptoms. There is some evidence that hormonal changes (such as those that occur during puberty or menopause) can bring on Narcolepsy.

Effective Treatments for Narcolepsy: Stay Alert and Focused

Managing Narcolepsy should be done injunction with a team of clinicians – typically neurologists, sleep specialists and your GP.

Generally, management of narcolepsy can be broken down into two categories:

Non-pharmacological treatments

•       Good sleep hygiene practices / a good sleep routine, such as turning of screens an hour before bedtime and starting to wind down before bedtime and/or scheduling in naps.
•       Counselling and support services.

Pharmacological Treatments

There are range of narcolepsy medication uk that doctors may prescribe. These include stimulants such as Modafinil, Dexamfetamine, Methylphenidate (Ritalin) or Sodium Oxybate.

Other medications may also be used such as SNRIs or Tricyclic antidepressants. Ultimately, when treating Narcolepsy with medication, medicines will be prescribed and amended as necessary by the team of doctors managing your treatment.

Choosing The Right Medication: Factors To Consider

There is some overlap between medications which may be prescribed for ADHD and Narcolepsy however ultimately these conditions will be managed, and medications prescribed by doctors and clinicians.

Some factors that a doctor may consider when prescribing these medications include:

•       The patients age.
•       Pattern and severity of symptoms.
•       Co-existing conditions.
•       Medications a patient is currently taking.
•       Side-effect profile of medications.
•       Potential for misuse.
•       Any other contraindications.

Benefits of Prescription Medications for ADHD and Narcolepsy

Prescription medication can greatly improve quality of life for those diagnosed with ADHD or Narcolepsy. However, it’s important Narcolepsy meds and ADHD meds are prescribed, managed and reviewed by health care professionals.

ADHD

Medications for ADHD can help regulate brain chemicals leading to better control of impulses, improvements in attention span and organisation. This helps to improve performance in work, school and life in general.  There are no over the counter ADHD medication UK, however some people find some therapeutic benefit with caffeine and supplements such as iron and zinc.

Narcolepsy

Medicine for narcolepsy can improve wakefulness for suffers and help reduce sleep attacks. this can lead to improved alertness and more consistent daily patterns, helping to improve quality of life.

Complementary Therapies to Enhance Treatment Outcomes

There are several complimentary therapies which can work nicely in conjunction with other treatments for suffers of both ADHD and Narcolepsy.

For ADHD, educational support can be very beneficial especially for parents of children diagnosed with ADHD. This can help them better understand and therefore manage the condition. Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) has also show great results for individuals with ADHD.

There are no non prescription ADHD medication UK, however some people report success with caffeine and simple supplements such as Zinc or Iron.

These non-pharmacological treatments combined with prescription medication can effectively treat ADHD. ADHD medication is available on the NHS, or some choose to buy ADHD drugs privately.

For those suffering from Narcolepsy, good sleep practices such has having a strict bedtime routine and working naps in can help greatly. Some people suffering with Narcolepsy choose to keep a sleep diary to help keep consistent sleep practices.